Imam Ali (A-S)

Our deep and heartfelt condolences to you all while we commemorate and tearfully
weep over what happened to our mawla and beloved Imam Amirul Mu'mineen (a-s)

The late Shaheed Murtaza Mutahhari in his book "Perfect Man" writes:
In the battle of Uhud, Ali (as) was just twenty-five, had newly wedded Fatimah (as), and had Hassan (as) as his first offspring. A young family usually expects a gradual progress in life whereas the only great wish of Ali was to get martyred in the way of God. The Prophet then asked Ali (as): "How much fortitude will you show in martyrdom?" Ali answered: "Please do not speak of fortitude; ask me rather how grateful I will be."

In consequence of the Prophet's utterances and of the signs, which Ali (as) recognized and explained, his family and companions became worried. In that last fasting month, he went as a guest to different places to break his fast, but ate very little. His children asked him sympathetically why he abstained from food so much. He answered that he wished to meet his God with an empty stomach. Then, they realized that Ali (as) was waiting for something close at hand. Sometimes, he looked up at the sky and said:
"What my beloved Prophet has told me is true and quite near." On the night before the 19th of Ramadhan, the children were with him for a time. Then, Imam Hassan went back to his own house. Ali (as) had a private place for prayer where he retired for communion with his Lord after attending to his private and public affairs. The sun had not risen yet when Imam Hassan went there to see his father. Ali (as) had a special affection for Fatimah's children. He said to his son: "As I was sitting there last night, I fell into a slumber and dreamt of the Prophet to whom I said: "I have suffered so much through your people." He said: "Curse them", I cursed them and prayed God to take me away from them and send an incompetent person to them."

It is so strange to see people not showing harmony with Ali (as) in following his way, and causing him so much suffering. Such were Ayesha's companions who broke their allegiance, and Muawiah with his cunning and cleverness, knowing well what would hurt Ali (as) most, and those 'Outsider' rebels (Khawarij) who heartily and faithfully excommunicated Ali (as). When someone hears of all such tragic events, he wonders at Ali's fortitude, and realizes as to why, in his dream, he spoke of his sufferings to the Prophet, The cackling of ducks is heard from outside the house, and Ali (as) predicts that very soon the sound of wailing and lamentation will dominate that cackling. His family came forward to stop him from going to the mosque that day and suggest sending someone else to lead the congregational prayer instead. At first, he mentioned the name of Ja'dat-bin-Hobeira, his nephew, as substitute. But he changed his mind and said he himself would go to lead the prayer. He is asked to have someone as company, but refuses. Later that day when he was laid down with his terrible wound, he said: "I swear by God that the blow of the sword on my forehead was like a lover being united with his beloved, or like a person looking in a dark night for a well where he could pitch his tent, and is overjoyed to find it."